Leica 40mm Summicron-C f/2 (1973–1977)

Name: Leica 40mm
Brand: Leica
Availability: InStock

A compact, high-contrast 40mm prime lens made specifically for the Leica CL rangefinder camera.

Overview

The Leica 40mm Summicron-C f/2 is a standard prime lens designed exclusively for use with the Leica CL, a smaller and more affordable rangefinder camera introduced by Leica in the 1970s. It is the smallest and lightest M-mount lens ever made by Leica, weighing just 126g and offering a compact profile that complements the CL’s design. Optically, it is identical to the Minolta Rokkor 40mm f/2, sharing the same optical and mechanical specifications despite the different branding. The lens delivers sharp, high-contrast images with excellent detail rendering, though some users find it overly contrasty on digital M cameras, particularly when compared to the 35mm Summicron.

Specifications

Focal length	40mm
Maximum aperture	f/2
Filter size	39 x 0.75mm
Weight	126g
Production years	1973–1977
Original price	US$170
Serial number range note	11 542
Size comparison	smaller and lighter than a Leica 35mm Summicron
Size comparison	about as small and light as a 35mm Summaron f/2.8
Identification claim	identical in all important optical and mechanical respects (though not in name) to the Minolta Rokkor 40mm f/2 lens

Design

The 40mm Summicron-C was built specifically for the Leica CL, with its mechanics and optics optimized for the Minolta CLE’s 0.58x viewfinder, which displays accurate 40mm frame lines only when this lens is mounted. It features an M-mount and is manual focus only, consistent with Leica’s rangefinder system. The lens construction is designed to be minimal and lightweight, supporting its role as the most compact M lens Leica ever produced.

Context

Developed as part of Leica’s effort to create a more compact and affordable rangefinder system, the 40mm Summicron-C was paired with the Leica CL, which targeted a broader market. Despite its niche role, the lens works perfectly on the Minolta CLE, where it uniquely activates the correct 40mm frame lines in the viewfinder. It was produced only for use with the CL and CLE systems, and no other variants were made for different platforms.

Market

Once overlooked, the 40mm Summicron-C has gained appreciation among Leica enthusiasts for its compact size and exceptional optical performance. Prices have increased significantly in recent years, driven by demand from photographers who value its unique focal length and sharp, high-contrast rendering. The optically identical Minolta Rokkor 40mm f/2 is often available at a lower price, despite delivering the same image quality.